Every year some Australians travel overseas for dental treatment, usually to save money. It is a personal decision, and as a dentist I want you to have the full picture before you book. This guide brings together what to think about before you go, and why many people choose to have their treatment close to home.
Why does dental treatment cost more in Australia?
The first point is that routine dental care isn’t expensive. Regular check ups and cleans, and treating small problems early, cost far less than the extensive work that can be needed after years without care. Extensive treatment costs a lot wherever it is done.
Australian fees also reflect the way dentistry is regulated here. Dental materials and equipment must meet Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) requirements, dentists must be registered with the Dental Board of Australia through AHPRA, and clinics follow national infection control standards. Registration, insurance, staff wages and rent all contribute to the cost of treatment.
Questions to ask before you travel for treatment
- Who will treat me and how are they qualified? Check their training, registration and experience with the treatment you need.
- What materials will be used? Ask about the brand of implant, crown or veneer, and whether you will receive the details to take home.
- How many visits are needed? Implants, crowns and bridges often need healing time between stages, which can mean more than one trip.
- What happens if something goes wrong? Ask who will look after you if you have pain, infection or a problem after you are back in Australia, and what it would cost to fix.
- What is the full cost? Include flights, accommodation, time off work, any repeat trips and follow up care at home.
Why many people keep their treatment local
- Follow up care: complex treatment is rarely finished in one appointment. Having your dentist nearby makes reviews, adjustments and any problems easier to manage.
- Accountability: Australian dentists are registered and regulated, and patients have a clear path to raise concerns if something isn’t right.
- Time to plan: treatment at home can be staged to suit your healing, budget and health fund cover, rather than squeezed into a holiday.
- Supporting local jobs: local clinics employ dental assistants, receptionists and technicians in your community.
We also see patients who have had treatment overseas and need a check, repair or ongoing care. You are welcome to book in, and we will look at your situation without judgement.
Talk to us about your options
If cost is the main concern, ask us about staging treatment over time, what your health fund covers (we process claims on the spot with HICAPS) and payment plans. We will give you a written quote so you can compare properly. Chesterville Dental is at 23 E Boundary Rd, Bentleigh East, and sees patients from Bentleigh, Moorabbin, Cheltenham, McKinnon and across Glen Eira. See dental implants and crowns and bridges, call (03) 9570 7962 or book online.
